Iran says ‘waiting for US ground troops’ as Egypt, regional states push for talks

CAIRO – 29 March 2026: Egypt and other regional partners are actively pushing for direct US-Iran talks to end the Iran war, now in its fifth week, and prevent further escalation, even as mistrust continues between the warring sides.

US Central Command announced on Saturday that the warship USS Tripoli has arrived in the Middle East, leading a unit of around 3,500 sailors and marines, along with transport and strike fighter aircraft.

The deployment comes amid reports that the US is considering further military options, including the use of ground forces and the potential seizure of key Iranian islands.

 

Mistrust, Escalation

Iranian forces are “waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said.

He added that the “enemy signals negotiation in public, while in secret it plots a ground attack.”

Egyptian political science professor Ismail Turki suggested that the ongoing US-Iran talks are largely a US maneuver to reposition forces and mobilize additional military assets in the region.

Turki added to Extra Live that Iran has lost confidence in negotiations and continues to insist on its own conditions, including a halt to attacks, guarantees against renewed conflict, compensation, a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Active Mediation

US President Donald Trump announced last Thursday a 10-day pause on any attack on Iranian energy facilities, claiming that there are ongoing talks with Iran and that they are “going very well.”

Reports indicate both sides have exchanged ceasefire proposals, though no progress has been reported.

Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan have reportedly acted as intermediaries, relaying messages between Washington and Tehran over the past days to pave the way for direct engagement.

Islamabad is set to host a quadrilateral ministerial meeting between Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to discuss regional de-escalation efforts.

Sources told Anadolu Agency said the Pakistani capital may also host a US delegation.

Iran has reportedly rejected a US 15-point ceasefire plan that included sanctions relief, dismantling its nuclear program, missile restrictions, and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Instead, Tehran presented a five-point plan calling for an end to US-Israeli operations, guarantees against renewed attacks, and reparations for damage on Iranian territory, according to several reports.